Lot 4052* ♣ - A209 Out of This World - Monday, 17. June 2024, 04.00 PM
SAWFISH ROSTRUM
Pristis pristis
Late 19th / early 20th century
120 × 13 cm (measurements not including stand)
Late 19th / early 20th century
120 × 13 cm (measurements not including stand)
For the exportation of this item a CITES license is required. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. For further information please contact the department.
Provenance: Old Swiss collection
The sawfish is a shark-like animal that sports its namesake ‘saw’, a greatly elongated, flat rostrum that is studded on either side with a row of uniform, sawtooth-like teeth. These animals are common throughout much of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but they also swim several hundred kilometres into the lower reaches of large rivers in Papua New Guinea.
In the classical cabinets of curiosities of the 16th century, the sawfish rostrum was an essential element. Its fascination lies not only in its iconic appearance and symmetry, but also in the implied interplay of danger and beauty. The brute and simple form is reminiscent of prehistoric times, of fantasy creatures and of dinosaurs.
The specimen presented here is a particularly large and beautiful example and in unusually good condition. It is complete with all parts, including all rostral teeth distributed along its entire length.
The sawfish is a shark-like animal that sports its namesake ‘saw’, a greatly elongated, flat rostrum that is studded on either side with a row of uniform, sawtooth-like teeth. These animals are common throughout much of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but they also swim several hundred kilometres into the lower reaches of large rivers in Papua New Guinea.
In the classical cabinets of curiosities of the 16th century, the sawfish rostrum was an essential element. Its fascination lies not only in its iconic appearance and symmetry, but also in the implied interplay of danger and beauty. The brute and simple form is reminiscent of prehistoric times, of fantasy creatures and of dinosaurs.
The specimen presented here is a particularly large and beautiful example and in unusually good condition. It is complete with all parts, including all rostral teeth distributed along its entire length.
CHF 2 500 / 3 500 | (€ 2 580 / 3 610)
Sold for CHF 11 250 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.